Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor confirmed as performers
for the inaugural ceremony for President Obama's second term in office.

Beyoncé will take centre stage as one of three special musical guests at President Barack Obama's second inauguration.

Pop rock singer Kelly Clarkson and Grammy Award winner James Taylor will also join the R&B diva to sing patriotic classics at the 57th Presidential Inauguration on January 21.

Beyoncé will be performing the US National Anthem. Clarkson sings My County ’Tis of Thee, which Aretha Franklin performed for Mr Obama’s first term in office, while Seventies folk rocker Taylor will perform America the Beautiful.

Beyoncé, 31, and Taylor, 64, both appeared at Obama's first inauguration in 2009. Jay-Z’s wife performed a cover of Etta James's At Last for Obama's first dance with First Lady Michelle Obama during the Neighbourhood Inaugural Ball.

Richard Blanco will be the inaugural poet, making him, at the age of 21, the youngest person to recite a poem for a presidential swearing-in.

Other participants include civil rights activist and journalist Myrlie Evers-Williams, who will give the invocation. Reverend Louie Giglio will deliver the benediction.

"Vice President Biden and I are honoured to have these wonderfully talented musical artists perform at the Inaugural ceremony," Obama said in a statement. "Their music is often at the heart of the American story and speaks to folks across the country."